han their lives. There was a levy in both kingdoms. Harald's sons
called out the whole people in Norway for procuring men and ships, and
Svein set out from the south with the Danish army. Messengers then went
between with proposals for a peace; and the Northmen said they would
either have the same league as was concluded between King Harald and
Svein, or otherwise give battle instantly on the spot. Verses were made
on this occasion, viz.:--

"Ready for war or peace,
King Olaf will not cease
From foeman's hand
To guard his land."

So says also Stein Herdison in his song of Olaf:--

"From Throndhjem town, where in repose
The holy king defies his foes,
Another Olaf will defend
His kingdom from the greedy Svein.
King Olaf had both power and right,
And the Saint's favour in the fight.
The Saint will ne'er his kin forsake,
And let Svein Ulfson Norway take."

In this manner friendship was concluded between the kings and peace
between the countries. King Magnus fell ill and died of the ringworm
disease, after being ill for some time. He died and was buried at
Nidaros. He was an amiable king and bewailed by the people.

SAGA OF OLAF KYRRE.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

Snorri's account of Olaf Kyrre corresponds with the statements found in
"Agrip", "Fagrskinna", and "Morkinskinna".

There are but few events in Olaf's long reign, and hence he is very
appropriately called the Quiet (Kyrre). As Hildebrand says, this saga
seems to be written simply to fill out the empty space between Harald
Hardrade and Magnus Barefoot.

Skalds quoted in this saga are: Stein Herdison and Stuf.

1. OLAF'S PERSONAL APPEARANCE.

Olaf remained sole king of Norway after the death (A.D. 1069) of his
brother King Magnus. Olaf was a stout man, well grown in limbs; and
every one said a handsomer man could not be seen, nor of a nobler
appearance. His hair was yellow as silk, and became him well; his skin
was white and fine over all his body; his eyes beautiful, and his limbs
well proportioned. He was rather silent in general, and did not speak
much even at Things; but he was merry in drinking parties. He loved
drinking much, and was talkative enough then; but quite peaceful. He was
cheerful in conversation, peacefully inclined during all his reign, and
loving gentleness and moderation in all things. Stein Herdison speaks
thus of him:--

"Our Throndhjem king is brave an